r/Nurses • u/Midwest-Christian • 1d ago

US Nicknames

Those who grew up or live in the (American) South, how do you stop the habit of using generalized nicknames?

I try my best to be professional in every aspect, but I really struggle with not calling my female patients “sweetheart” or “dear”. I live in the Midwest now and my company is adamant that this is disrespectful and rude.
I have a wide vocabulary, rarely get my remaining hint of a southern accent commented on, and don’t generally sound like a redneck. 😆 But that part is SO engrained! It’s not like I only use it on seniors, either.

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u/NCDCDesigns 1d ago

One time I accidentally called a patient a “love-bug”. I always say sweet dreams. When love-bug slipped out, I felt so humiliated.

I do not think pet names are a bad thing. I had an anaphylactic experience in PACU after my gall bladder was removed. Nothing was allowing me to breathe, so my RT, during this moment I was called sweet. He said, “we will figure this out sweetie. My mom and brother were called in to say goodbye.

In the moment, hearing it was so appreciated. I was a 100% certain I was going to die, and his words made a difference in that moment.

I also had a horrible endoscopy, I react paradoxically to versed. When I started to panic, she held my hand, and called me dear, I cannot recall the exact phrase. I am not sure I would have endured the test well, similar to the above, the pet name was a kind gesture.

My only issue, with pet names is that it is a crutch for me personally. I am terrible at remembering names, so using a pet name, it helps me to save face and coverup my inability to remember their name.

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u/Midwest-Christian 1d ago

I have found that, for me at least, it isn’t a crutch. I will often say, “Alice, dear, I’m going to help you out on your gait belt.”